Ethicon’s New Power Stapler Delivers Control and Precision for Complex Surgeries

J&J’s Ethicon has announced the launch of its ECHELON FLEX™ GST System (45mm) across Europe.

Background

The increasing prevalence of lung and bowel cancer, in conjunction with rising rates of obesity could mean that more patients will need surgery. Bowel and lung cancer are the first and second most common forms of cancer in Europe, affecting 471,001 and 449,000 people each year respectively – while obesity rates have also risen dramatically, nearly doubling between 1980 and 2008, with roughly 23% of women and 20% of men now classified as clinically obese. Many of these patients have specific needs during surgery due to diseased or therapeutically compromised tissue, and consequently, surgeons need equipment that will allow extra control and precision.

With this addition, the ECHELON FLEX™ GST System now offers both 45mm and 60mm endocutters with reloads, which is of mounting importance as more complex surgeries are being performed through minimally invasive approaches.

Company comments

“The addition of 45mm length to the ECHELON FLEX™ GST portfolio is a demonstration of Ethicon’s commitment to addressing increasingly complex variables in oncology and metabolic surgical cases, while the wider range of reload selection means surgeons may have the ability to select the most optimal reload and length” said Silvia De Dominicis, Ethicon Franchise Vice President for EMEA. “With the prevalence of disease states such as cancer and obesity steadily rising, we will continue to innovate to help support health systems in meeting the Triple Aim goals of reducing costs, enhancing patient outcomes and increasing patient satisfaction”.